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n.1. an oblique or diagonal line of direction, esp. across a woven fabric.2. a particular tendency or inclination, esp. one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.3. Statistics. a systematic as opposed to a random distortion of a statistic as a result of sampling procedure.4. Lawn Bowling.a. a slight bulge or greater weight on one side of the ball or bowl.b. the curved course made by such a ball when rolled.5. Electronics. the application of a steady voltage or current to an active device, as a diode or transistor, to produce a desired mode of operation.6. a high-frequency alternating current applied to the recording head of a tape recorder during recording in order to reduce distortion.7. on the bias,a. in the diagonal direction of the cloth.b. out of line; slanting.adj.8. cut, set, folded, etc., diagonally: This material requires a bias cut.adv.9. in a diagonal manner; obliquely; slantingly: to cut material bias.v.t.10. to cause partiality or favoritism in (a person); influence, esp. unfairly: a tearful plea designed to bias the jury.11. Electronics. to apply a steady voltage or current to (the input of an active device).[1520-30; < MF biais oblique < OPr, prob. < VL *(e)bigassius < Gk epikársios oblique, equiv. to epi- EPI- + -karsios oblique]Syn. 2. predisposition, preconception, predilection, partiality, proclivity; bent, leaning. BIAS, PREJUDICE mean a strong inclination of the mind or a preconceived opinion about something or someone. A BIAS may be favorable or unfavorable: bias in favor of or against an idea. PREJUDICE implies a preformed judgment even more unreasoning than BIAS, and usually implies an unfavorable opinion: prejudice against a race. 10. predispose, bend, incline, dispose.Ant. 2. impartiality.
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Universalium. 2010.